Obituary List

MARK JOHN BRIDGES 7/8/72 - 2/20/23

Mark, our Down Syndrome son, passed away from an unresolved pneumonia at HCA Lake City Hospital on Presidents Day. Mark had many challenges in his life, but he had many successes. He underwent heart surgery at age 3 at the University of Alabama which allowed him to have a more fruitful life. Mark attended Morning Star School in Orlando for 9 years and received a Special Certificate of Completion from Lake Mary High School, Seminole County, in June of 1993. He was a charter member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Longwood, FL, where he served frequently as an acolyte in church services. Along with other church members, he helped with Habitat for Humanity, served at the downtown homeless shelter, and attended Sunday School classes. Mark was active in Seminole County Special Olympics, he participated in basketball, softball, bowling and lastly, the equestrian program. He also did a little snow skiing out west and accompanied us on a trip to Hawaii. Along with the Altamonte Recreation Department, he square danced, swam and played bocce ball. Mark was in the Quest assisted living program in Orange County for many years before moving to Lake City in 2018 where he moved into the CARC group home. Mark is survived by his parents, Reinhold and Phyllis Bridges of Live Oak and a sister, Janet Helfst, of Mt. Dora, FL.

Arrangements are trusted to ICS Cremation and Funeral Home, 357 NW Wilks Lane, Lake City, FL 32055.